Need advice on replacing bench vice

[86 inches]

I just broke my old vise. It was a Columbian 4" D4. I've discovered that the mounting is not standardized and I'm having problems figuring out how to find a replacement that will fit the holes I have in my workbench. Any suggestions?

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Get the vise you want. Holes are cheap, drill new ones.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I would look for a replacement base first. Maybe try to contact the manufacturer?

Second, i know many here will scoff at this, but... My chinesium special has been great. I've beat the hell out of it and it continues to work flawlessly. Two axis-rotate, and pipe clamp.

Or you could spend a ton more on an old used beat-up vise, and then spend hours/days/weeks rebuilding and painting it. Which would cost you quite a bit more. But I actually use my tools to repair other things, not just to repair...other tools, so I don't have time for that.

You could try here:
http://jerseydiscounttoolco.com/store#!/Wilton/c/20343091/offset=0&sort=nameAsc

The owner, nick, has a great online reputation. He runs a gearwrench truck, and sells everything the other tool truck don't sell. On the link I posted he's selling a nice Wilton and hammer combo, a lot of guys have been happy with it.

of course I see it much cheaper here too:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WH6JIEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JimNC]

I tend not to use the swivel, so I'd mount it to a piece of plate steel and then mount that to the bench...assuming that you don't want to just drill 2 more holes in the bench.

 

[86 inches]

OK, it looks like the footprint of a Yost 865 is large enough that I'll be able to drill new holes. If that doesn't work, I'll just mount the Yost on a different bench and try to find another base for my Columbian.

 

[georgiadave]

You could plug the existing holes with glued in hardwood dowels, then redrill.

 

[86 inches]

Get the vise you want. Holes are cheap, drill new ones.

Yost 865 in the mail. Thanks.

I would look for a replacement base first. Maybe try to contact the manufacturer? Second, i know many here will scoff at this, but... My chinesium special has been great.

Yes, this was a China-made Columbian that except for the broken swivel base, is still in excellent shape. It has served me well for many years and I hate to part with it. I don't believe they are making it anymore. I found one on ebay but the guy is asking way too much for this inexpensive vise. I'll keep an eye out, though, and when I find another I'll repair this one and mount it on another bench. Thanks.

I tend not to use the swivel, so I'd mount it to a piece of plate steel and then mount that to the bench...assuming that you don't want to just drill 2 more holes in the bench.

Thanks for the suggestion. I might do that if I can't find a replacement base at a decent price.

You could plug the existing holes with glued in hardwood dowels, then redrill.

Good idea. I'll do that before I mount the Yost. Thanks.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I appreciate the help. Any guesses what's in the vice in the pic above?

 

[bobcatdan]

Drill a hole in the other side of the base and bolt it back down somewhere.

 

[bikermehound]

It ***** u have to to go old school and look for old shops and get one from them otherwise its hard to find a good one

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

 

[exmaxima1]

I would look for a replacement base first. Maybe try to contact the manufacturer?

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It seems that there was a USA version of the D-Series vises, so maybe there are spare parts available. That said, buy a used USA-made vise and enjoy it.

 

[autopts]

Here's a blowup of a D4 if you want to buy a replacement base, contact me, I should be cheaper.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/wi...orkshop-vise-parts-c-32774_155485_155498.html

 

[redvalkyrie]

I'm for buying a used Craftsman/Columbian vise. I have one that I don't need. wink--wink. Seriously though, a vintage vise will be cheaper (maybe) and last you forever.

 

[jimreed2160]

I mount most of my vises on wooden bases and then mount the base to my bench. It saves the benchtop and makes the vises more portable. Lots of my vises are mounted with sheetrock screws and C clamps. Sturdy but portable.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I appreciate the help. Any guesses what's in the vice in the pic above?

Some kind of spindle part for a smaller piece of construction eqpt?

 

[Coach James]

You could plug the existing holes with glued in hardwood dowels, then redrill.

I did this when I replaced my vise years ago. Worked fine.

Coach

 

[86 inches]

Some kind of spindle part for a smaller piece of construction eqpt?

Trim rod for a 225HP Evinrude trim/tilt hydraulic assembly.